Leicester must continue their push for the title without talisman striker Jamie Vardy, who looks set to miss at least two games after being charged by the FA.

On the same day as Spurs closed the gap at the top of the table, Vardy learned of the FA’s decision following his red card and subsequent behaviour towards the referee, Jon Moss, against West Ham on Sunday.

Top scorer Vardy has until 6pm on Thursday to respond after referee Moss reported him. He is contemplating an appeal against this charge of improper conduct.

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy has been charged by the FA over his angry reaction to being sent off

The England international was controversially shown a second yellow card for a dive in the second-half

Vardy looks incredulous after being denied a penalty and picking up a second caution for simulation

Vardy was furious at being deemed to have dived to pick up a second booking in the 56th minute, jabbing a finger at Moss and appearing to swear.

But the England international left the field relatively quickly and may feel he can escape an extra match ban that would see him miss the crucial trip to Manchester United on May 1.

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GAMES VARDY COULD MISS...

April 21 vs Swansea City (H)

May 1 vs Manchester United A)

PFA Player of the Year nominee Vardy is already banned for the game against Swansea on Sunday as a result of his first red card since joining the club, and being absent for the match at Old Trafford would be a huge blow to manager Claudio Ranieri as he strives to lead his team to the Premier League title.

Leicester have also been charged for failing to control their players after West Ham were awarded late penalty

Diego Costa (right) received an extra one-game ban for his reaction to being sent off against Everton

VARDY LEAGUE STATS 2015/16

Appearances: 34

Goals: 22

Shot accuracy: 58%

Chances created: 45

Pass accuracy: 65%

Yellow/red cards: 6/1

Vardy’s importance to Leicester cannot be underestimated, having previously started every game of the campaign.

He scored the opening goal against West Ham to take his tally to 22 and has also provided six assists in the Premier League this season. This type of FA charge usually ends with an extended ban. Chelsea’s Diego Costa received a one-game suspension after admitting the offence in March.

Arsenal defender Gabriel suffered the same punishment for refusing to leave the field when sent off against Chelsea in September. He too admitted his charge at a personal hearing.

Claudio Ranieri defended Vardy after the game, but would not be drawn over the referee's decisions

West Ham striker Andy Carroll has been asked to explain his public criticism of Moss in writing

In the absence of Vardy, boss Ranieri is likely to pair Leonardo Ulloa and Shinji Okazaki up front against Swansea. They have only been on the pitch together for a total of 11 minutes this season. Ranieri has also looked at using pacey winger Jeff Schlupp as a striker.

The FA have also charged Leicester over their players’ response to Moss awarding West Ham a penalty for Wes Morgan holding Winston Reid, while also writing to West Ham’s Andy Carroll to ask for an explanation of his post-match comments about Moss, who the striker accused of ‘trying to even it up’ when he awarded a late penalty to the Foxes.

If the FA deem the comments to have questioned Moss’s integrity, Carroll is likely to face a fine rather than a ban.

In Vardy's absence, Leicester are likely to pair Leonardo Ulloa (above) with Shinji Okazaki up front

On Vardy, I never condone dissent at decisions, but it happens in every game. You can't just single out one player. Has to be same for all.

BBC presenter Gary Lineker branded the FA’s decision to charge Vardy ridiculous, insisting the move was not a consistent response over the duration of the season.

'Don't be ridiculous,’ he wrote on Twitter. 'Perhaps while they're at it they might rescind the first yellow card.’ Vardy was initially booked for a foul Cheikhou Kouyate despite not actually touching the West Ham player.

Lineker added on Vardy’s outburst following his second yellow for a dive in the box: 'On Vardy, I never condone dissent at decisions, but it happens in every game. You can't just single out one player. Has to be same for all.

'Players should be punished for any kind of abuse of referees. Immediate yellow card. Said this for years. If this is the start then great.’